Nation in Focus

February 26, 2013

A selection of photographs from around the nation, chosen by The Chronicle photo editors, covering a variety of topics including politics and current events.

Scott Olson/Getty Images

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PARRIS ISLAND, SC - FEBRUARY 25: Marine recruit Melony Couture waits for her rifle to be inspected before firing on the rifle range during boot camp February 25, 2013 at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. Female enlisted Marines have gone through recruit training at the base since 1949. About 11 percent of female recruits who arrive at the boot camp fail to complete the training, which can be physically and mentally demanding. Females in the Marines and other branches of the armed forces have been forbidden from being assigned to ground combat units since 1994. On January 24, 2013 Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta rescinded that order. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)

Scott Olson/Getty Images

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PARRIS ISLAND, SC - FEBRUARY 25: Marine recruit Melony Couture waits for her rifle to be inspected before firing on the rifle range during boot camp February 25, 2013 at MCRD Parris Island, South Carolina. Female enlisted Marines have gone through recruit training at the base since 1949. About 11 percent of female recruits who arrive at the boot camp fail to complete the training, which can be physically and mentally demanding. Females in the Marines and other branches of the armed forces have been forbidden from being assigned to ground combat units since 1994. On January 24, 2013 Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta rescinded that order. (Photo by Scott Olson/Getty Images)